Ideas on how to reuse

Before you throw away an item you no longer need, read through these ideas from Planet Ark to get you thinking on ways you can reuse it.

• Placing coffee jar lids under your chairs or sofa is a great way to protect your carpet.

• Got a stain in your shirt or cuffs? Rub in your stain remover with an old toothbrush before soaking your clothes.
  RELATED LINKS

  • Planet Ark: recycling
  • Planet Ark: energy saving tips
• Create ice blocks for your esky — fill up old milk cartons and drink bottles with water and freeze them.

• Want the perfect shape for a scone? Remove both ends of a baby food tin and use the can as a scone cutter. For big biscuits, use a fruit can instead.

• Can't cut gift wrap paper in a straight line? Put it in an old cling wrap box that has metal serrated edges — your problem will disappear!

• Want to keep the kids amused? Empty roll-on deodorant bottles can be used as paint pens for small children. Wash the plastic ball and bottle, then fill with paint and replace the ball and lid. When storing, keep it upside down with the lid on tight.

• Going on a picnic? Don't leave your cans and bottles in a litter bin — take them home and recycle them! Clean plastic pill bottles can also make great salad dressing containers as well.

• Clear plastic lids from fresh cream containers can be placed under shaving aerosols to prevent rust appearing on your bathroom surfaces.

• Old wet-wipe containers make great string dispensers — try it out!

• Has your pillow gone flat? Then why not fold it over, stitch it together and put it inside a new cushion cover?

• Got an old electric blanket that doesn't work? Just remove the wires and it can become an under-blanket instead.

• Old tiles and cracked plates — don't throw them away. Reuse them for creating mosaics. This craft is easy and can transform pots and containers as well as paths and walls into artworks.

• Washable cups or travel mugs — take them along and wash and reuse them; a lot of restaurants and convenience stores will be glad to fill or refill your own mug.

• Reusable bags — use when shopping so you don't need to make the choice between "paper or plastic."

• Washable table napkins— use cloth napkins rather than paper napkins; they're usually much larger and more absorbent than paper products and they can dress up your dinner table too!

• Reusable items — donate to charitable outlets.

• Socks — use an old sock as a dusting glove.

• Old pair of pantyhose — tie into a ball and use it for washing the car instead of buying a sponge.